Returning from Vacation and back to the full schedule of life! We had a great time in Mexico with Ron, Josh's dad. We could not have asked for better weather. The days were full of relaxation and sun! Ron had been down there many times and we had plenty of great places for us to eat at every night and the mornings included waking up to the sound of the ocean, something I could really get used to.

Cody stayed with my parents for the week and by the reaction we got upon getting home I really think he thought he was on vacation as well with the big back yard and another dog to play with. I am really thankful for the time we had down in Mexico and can only look forward to the next time. Getting ready to go I was stressed about all I was leaving behind, but surprisingly enough the world went on just fine without me. The entire week without my phone and Internet was really good for me. Thanks for checking in on us! Happy Easter!

So, here's the story. I had completely purchased my birthday and Christmas gifts for Emily and we were driving in the car talking about a subject that we had debated many times before. Pets. Specifically, dogs. For the past three years Emily has been faithful in reminding me of her desire for a dog and today was another no different. The conversation usually went with Emily telling me how she would love a dog and me bargaining with her, trying to convince her why we were not ready. "We won't be able to have alone time anymore", "we won't be able to go anywhere", "our lives will revolve around THE DOG", THERE IS NO WAY I AM GETTING A DOG FOR CHRISTMAS!!"

The difference between this conversation and the ones prior is that once it had ended, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I thought, "I love Emily and maybe a dog would be good for me. It would cause me to be less selfish and it would give Emily a constant companion." These thoughts scared me and excited me at the same time. By the next day I had found myself at the Denver Dumb Friends League looking at dogs. I originally went down there to fill out the information and put our name on a list for a golden lab or retriever. After looking at all of these beautiful dogs, two and half hours later I had picked out an 8 month old puppy named Cody. He is a german shepherd mix with what we think is a lab and I loved him. I have never been a big dog guy, the hair all over, the smells, the poopy pick up, but in a moment, I had completely changed.

The shelter had to keep him overnight to nuder him and give him the necessary shots, but by 4pm the next day, I would be able to pick him up and he would be ours. The next few days were some of the most anxious hours of my life. All I thought about was this dog. I was trying to keep it a surprise for Emily and it was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. It was like when I bought Em's engagement ring and had to wait to give it to her. The next day, the 22nd, I was leaving work to go pick up our dog and I called Emily. She was on her way home from work as well and I asked her if I could meet her off the next exit so we could run errands together. We always love a little quality time in the car and so she hopped in and off we went. I told her we were running to a Goodwill in denver because I had called them and they had just gotten some nightstands that would be perfect for our guest room. The whole drive I am feeling like I am going to burst and before I know it we are pulling into the Dumb Friends League and Emily immediately gets this choked up look on her face and says, "what are we doing here." I respond, "I just thought you would want to pick up your dog", (so smooth:) and Emily breaks down with tears of joy.

We are now into our second day with Cody and we couldn't be happier. He is the perfect addition to our family and at 8 months we were lucky enough to skip the incessent biting and potting training without missing puppyhood. BEST CHRISTMAS EVER! So, to those of you who check this blog, Emily, Cody and myself hope you have a blessed Christmas. Find someone you love and love them completely. Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday Josh!!

It has been awhile, what can I say time fly's. I'm still teaching lessons like crazy and Josh's latest project has been my parent's basement. The framing is almost done and the electric marked out, next is the insulation and drywall. Although it does not feel like mid November the evenings have been cool and I am remembering what it feels like to survive on warm beverages out at the barn. We are spending Thanksgiving in Parker, and not be traveling to CT with Josh's family as we had wanted due to work. I am glad we live by some family. Wish we lived near (most) of you.. just kidding. Hope you stay safe in your Travels this next week. I am thankful for friends!

The first weekend in August Beth came out for a visit and we went camping with camping with the Wohrley's. Heading to Ft. Collins to tube the Poudre River and camp in the canyon. I don't know if Beth knew what she was getting into when I brought it up a few weeks before she arrived. We had a great time and I love camping!! The tubing was a little more intense then the first time we did it and I ended getting out a little early. Neil, his friends and Rob went with Beth through the large rapids and although she flipped she finished safely. I can't wait to go again.

Happy Fourth of July!

Josh and I spent the day in Parker. My youngest brother Neil was in a bike accident Saturday night and at 2:30AM Sunday he had his spleen removed and exploratory surgery. Kinda crazy. He was scheduled to stay through Friday, but he was looking pretty good today, all tubes were removed and he was off oxygen. My parents have been spending all their time with him in his room so we decided to go and hang with everyone!

Josh and my Dad got into doing the crossword puzzles and I took short tours around the hospital with my Mom, seeing where she (and Neil) work. I'm not posting any pictures of Neil he still looks, well, not as good as usual. He now has 24 staples down the center of his chest/stomach and despite being in alot of pain for the past few days, today Neil started cracking jokes to the nurses a true sign he is feeling better.

Today was the last day of the three day clinic at Normandy. The Dutch trainer and rider Wiljan Laarakkers flew in Monday, taught 3 days and leaves tomorrow. I rode with another rider each day for an hour and a half. I'm SO tired, but man was it the most fun I had had in a long time! It took some time to understand what he was saying, but he was the most patient, direct and encouraging instruction I had ever received. My favorite line was "Keep smiling, when you smile you see the distance." I loved it. I can only hope others can know what it feels like to do something you LOVE to do.

Josh came to watch today's session making it even better!